One of the reasons I use RT6 over Rotella T5 10w-30 semisyn is that I thought it would be "thinner" when it's cold.
I did an unscientific test last night - should have documented it on video.
This is my first winter running RT6 in the Cherokee. The last few winters I have used:
-Formula Shell 5w-20
-M1 5w-30 (from early 90s)
-ST Syn 5w-30
-ST Dino 5w-30 / 5w-20 Mix
Even on the coldest days, it would build oil pressure instantly. I have noticed that the last few super cold starts I have done on RT6, the "CHECK GAUGES" lights stays on and the oil pressure gauge sits at 0. This is a concern for me.
Last night it was -2.
I went out to the car and grabbed the PYB 5w-30, PYB 10w-30 (planning on running a mix in the Cherokee in the spring)and a quart bottle that was a mix of Castrol Edge and M1 0w-20 and the spare jug of RT6 in the back of the Cherokee
The 5w-30 PYB poured significantly better than the RT6 and was definitely less viscous.
The surprising thing ...
The 10w-30 PYB was actually marginally better pouring than the RT6!!
Obviously the 0w-20 mix was the thinnest and easiest.
Strange stuff!
I may buy some new quarts when it gets cold and try this test and document it on video.
Unfortunately, I think this will be the last OCI on Rotella. I decided to do a year run on it because it's a 40 grade for the hot summer days where I'm beating on it in 100 degree heat off road, and I thought the 5w (and synthetic) would make it "thinner". It's too thick for winter use, apparently.
I did an unscientific test last night - should have documented it on video.
This is my first winter running RT6 in the Cherokee. The last few winters I have used:
-Formula Shell 5w-20
-M1 5w-30 (from early 90s)
-ST Syn 5w-30
-ST Dino 5w-30 / 5w-20 Mix
Even on the coldest days, it would build oil pressure instantly. I have noticed that the last few super cold starts I have done on RT6, the "CHECK GAUGES" lights stays on and the oil pressure gauge sits at 0. This is a concern for me.
Last night it was -2.
I went out to the car and grabbed the PYB 5w-30, PYB 10w-30 (planning on running a mix in the Cherokee in the spring)and a quart bottle that was a mix of Castrol Edge and M1 0w-20 and the spare jug of RT6 in the back of the Cherokee
The 5w-30 PYB poured significantly better than the RT6 and was definitely less viscous.
The surprising thing ...
The 10w-30 PYB was actually marginally better pouring than the RT6!!
Obviously the 0w-20 mix was the thinnest and easiest.
Strange stuff!
I may buy some new quarts when it gets cold and try this test and document it on video.
Unfortunately, I think this will be the last OCI on Rotella. I decided to do a year run on it because it's a 40 grade for the hot summer days where I'm beating on it in 100 degree heat off road, and I thought the 5w (and synthetic) would make it "thinner". It's too thick for winter use, apparently.